Citizen – Railway Commemorative Clock 1872–1972 (Ref. 4-673760-K, Cal. 6700) (September 1972)

This exceptional Citizen commemorative watch was issued in 1972 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Japanese railway (鉄道100年記念) Tetsudō 100-Shūnen Kinen . It commemorates the opening of Japan's first railway line in 1872 between Shimbashi and Yokohama and is one of the most interesting Japanese special editions of the 1970s.

Design & Character

The dial is an intricately embossed metal relief depicting a steam locomotive , referencing the first locomotive used in Japan, the "150 form class". The engraving bears the inscription:

鉄道100年記念 1872–1972 (Tetsudō 100-nen Kinen / 100 Years of Railways)

The design is reminiscent of a commemorative medal: finely hammered background, raised locomotive and subtle, black hands.
The case is simple, with a finely toothed bezel and polished surfaces – typical of Citizen's design philosophy of this time: technical, understated, precise.

The new black leather strap underlines the classic character of this collector's watch.

Technical data

• Model: Citizen Railway Commemorative Clock / Tetsudō 100-Shūnen Kinen (鉄道100年記念)
• Reference: 4-673760-K
• Caliber: Citizen 6700 , hand-wound movement
• Serial number: 209xxxxx
• Production date: September 1972 (serial code 2-09 → 1972 / September)
• Origin: Japan
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 34.0 mm
• Height: 8.8 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 37.8 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight (including strap): 29 g
• Glass: Acrylic glass (slightly curved)
• Base: screwed on, engraving “CITIZEN 6700 STAINLESS STEEL”
• Crown: finely knurled, unmarked
• Movement: Manual winding , 17 jewels
• Power reserve: approx. 42 hours
• Bracelet: new black leather strap
• Clasp: Stainless steel pin buckle

Background & Meaning

The watch was manufactured by Citizen in 1972 as a limited special edition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japanese railway .
The anniversary was a national event – ​​accompanied by exhibitions, special stamps and commemorative coins. Citizen chose the classic D51-type steam locomotive (“デゴイチ”) as its motif – a symbol of Japan's technological progress .

The Citizen Tetsudō 100-Shūnen Kinen was not sold regularly, but rather issued as a limited commemorative edition to employees, railway workers, and select dealers. Consequently, it is rare to find on the market today – especially in good original condition.

The caliber 6700 used is a robust, flat hand-wound movement that was used in several Citizen dress models of that time.

Historically speaking, this watch is not only a collector's item for Citizen enthusiasts, but also a historical document of Japanese industrial culture and railway history.

Condition

• Very good, well-maintained original condition.
• The dial shows slight, even signs of aging; the engravings are clear and sharp.
• The movement runs reliably, the hands are original.
• The new leather bracelet is unworn.

Special features

• Limited special edition (manufactured only in 1972)
• Embossed railway motif with Japanese anniversary inscription
• Historic hand-wound movement Cal. 6700
• Symbolic reference to the D51 locomotive
• A collector's item with rarity value, especially outside of Japan.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item.
The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery .

A notice:
Since this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed.
To protect the clock mechanism, the clock should not come into contact with water or moisture .